How to: Upgrade from Visual Studio Trial Edition
[This documentation is for preview only, and is subject to change in later releases. Blank topics are included as placeholders.]
Trial Editions can only be used for a limited amount of time, usually 90 to 180 days. After that time period has expired, you cannot use the product again without a valid product key.
To obtain a product key
Purchase a copy of Visual Studio <version> Professional Edition at a retail location. The product key is listed on the sleeve of the DVD or CD.
—or—
Order a Visual Studio <version> Professional Edition product key online at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=109919. The product key is sent to you in an e-mail message.
To upgrade Visual Studio Trial Edition
On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
In Windows Vista, open Control Panel and click Programs and Features. In Windows XP, open Control Panel and click Add or Remove Programs.
Select Microsoft Visual Studio <version> Professional Edition. In Windows Vista, click Uninstall/Change. In Windows XP, click Change/Remove. This displays the Visual Studio <version> Maintenance Mode dialog box.
In the Visual Studio <version> Maintenance Mode dialog box, enter the product key in the section Upgrade to Visual Studio <version> and then click Upgrade.